Old North Church & Historic Site
Old North Church & Historic Site
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Built in 1723, Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and an icon of the American Revolution. Old North is famous for the events of April 18, 1775, when allies of Paul Revere secretly climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal that British forces were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land. Uncover the church’s secrets and stories with an immersive audio guide, as you make your way through the sanctuary’s unique box pews and new exhibit. Explore the crypt where 1,100 souls were laid to rest or tour the bell chamber where Paul Revere rang bells as a teen. We highly recommend our Crypt Combo Package, which includes a self-guided tour of the crypt, our immersive audio guide, and general admission. Only $9 when you book online at oldnorth.com! Old North’s campus is also home to the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, a reproduction colonial-style print shop that offers free printing press demonstrations.
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: North End
Wandering around Boston’s North End can feel like being transported to Europe. Stroll down Hanover and Salem streets for the finest Italian restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and a few boutique shops. Take part in the big debate as to whether Modern Pastry or Mike’s serves a better cannoli. Before your food coma sets in, make sure to stop by historic Paul Revere’s home, and follow the Freedom Trail to Old North Church and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. Take a rest in a cafe on Hanover street and observe the quirky, European character of the North End.
How to get there
- Haymarket • 7 min walk
- North Station • 8 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- CharlieMeyer2020Tulsa, Oklahoma92 contributionsWORSHIP WHERE YOUR FOREFATHERS WORSHIPPEDIt’s a woke church, but not in your face as plenty of others are in Boston, but you’re (probably) there to worship, not to convert or become a member. Plenty of conservative/traditional hymns/parts of the service with a great choir and organ. So, yes, absolutely positively attend (not just take the tour), but you must register on line in advance, because, as the saying goes-seating is limited. And don’t forget to generously contribute to the collection basket to keep spreading God’s word and also keep our great American Heritage alive.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 October 2023
- OrlandoMouseSt. Augustine, Florida2,322 contributionsIt is a beautiful building where the sound of freedom beganWhen following the Freedom Trail it will lead you into the North End of Boston and by Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church where the signaling of how the British are coming was done with lanterns. There are tours of the church when no services are being held as well as quaint gift shop. Remember to take a picture of the steeple (not the original one as it has had to be rebuilt due to weather.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- Kevin BMount Juliet, Tennessee3,939 contributionsAmerican history!This is a wonderful historic site and one that I've visited several times over the years. I've only ever been able to do the self-guided tour, but there is lots of information to read throughout the church and there's lots of information placards. It's a lovely site and you can really feel the history come alive when you're here. My favorite part of the church and the part that has stuck with me throughout the years is that General Lafayette said that the bust of George Washington represented him better than any portrait of him. This is a must-see when you're in Boston and if you love history!Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 27 December 2023
- Sharples426 contributionsWhere Paul Revere rang the BellWhy a small beautiful area for history of the American Revolution. There is a memorial to the war dead that's quite different. An area of Sanctuary and the church. There is a gift shop as well. Definitely worth the walk through and thought.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 May 2024
- jerrys01Bel Air, Maryland622 contributionsA bit of historyMy wife and I took the self-guided tour of the church. I found the construction of the pew 'pods' interesting. The church is fairly simple in design (compared to some churches I've seen in Europe), but I did find the pew finished in red velvet pretty interesting.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 May 2024
- 86MissyJWheelersburg, Ohio860 contributionsHistoric SiteWe visited the church and saw the play Revolution's Edge. Well worth the stop and visit the church that has so much history! The play, which is performed on select days, was really interesting in explaining the events that led up to the American Revolution.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 August 2024
- Bernie M.Vancouver, Canada400 contributionsOld North Church, BostonThe Old North Church is a super old Episcopal mission church that was built way back in 1723. It's the oldest church in Boston and is considered a National Historic Landmark. You can find it in the North End of Boston. This church played a big role in the fight against the British for America's freedom. It's a small but really beautiful church. You have to pay $5 to go inside, but I think it's worth it. Make sure to check out the view of the church from the park, especially on a clear day. It's such a great sight, especially when you look past the Paul Revere statue.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 September 2024
- PBPGYorkshire, United Kingdom8,446 contributionsA famous siteOld North Church and historic site. This is the area around the Paul Revere statue. Nice little area, a small fountain at the far end with the backdrop of the North Church, a much taken photograph.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,127 reviews
Excellent
1,920
Very good
1,005
Average
178
Poor
19
Terrible
5
John B
Norristown, PA286 contributions
Mar 2020
This was really an amazing experience. I am very into history, so I found seeing where the lanterns were placed to warn the riders to warn the militia the regulars, not the British, were coming by sea. This eventually led to the fighting at Lexington and Concord. Paul Revere contributed, but there were other riders who deserve credit. The church was also very nice and was on the Freedom Trail.
Written 31 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMPTexas
Tucson, AZ848 contributions
Oct 2020
Legend was made here! The Old North Church in Historic Downtown Boston is the very church that Paul Revere waited for the famous signal; "One if by land, two if by sea." Drive or walk down the tiny, narrow Boston streets to this very church, where in the steeple were displayed two lanterns signaling a warning to Revere how the British troops were to be traveling, leading the the famous ride of Paul Revere toward Lexington and Concord warning citizens that the "British were coming!" Beautiful building church and elaborate steeple. It's like taking a step back in time.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Midwest_Roamer22
Lansing, MI43 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My family enjoyed the performance of Revolution’s Edge at the Old North Church, a production about the clash of ideals on the night the lanterns were hung, in the venue in which it actually occurred! The actors were excellent performers and the dialogue provocative and meaningful for any time period. I especially appreciated the characterization of Cato, a slave of the church pastor who is a Loyalist. It made me think about a slave held by my own revolutionary ancestor and what life must have been like for him. Even if there is no performance, the church is a worthwhile stop on the revolutionary trail.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chuckmidwest
Omaha, NE262 contributions
July 2021
Was really interesting and kind of humbling to see this little church and understanding just what a big role it played in events. Go visit it and make sure to stop by gift shop. one of the best quality of items of any at these types of sites.
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RayGCincinnati_OH
Cincinnati, OH270 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
You've heard the line, "One if by land and two if by sea." Well, this is the church from where those lanterns were hung on the night of April 18, 1775.
We took a tour of the upper gallery because we wanted to get a close-up look at the 1759 pipe organ and the 17th century angels flanking it. Unfortunately what we got was a story about how the blacks in New England were shafted during the 1700's. The guide said very little about the organ or the angels because she was too busy talking about how the gallery/balcony seats were the worst in the house (true) and so they made the blacks sit up there. For sure, that probably occurred but it is not the most important thing that happened in that building although the docent wanted us to believe it was. The organ and the angels are really neat and it's hard to believe they've survived this long. You SHOULD visit the church but SKIP the balcony tour.
We took a tour of the upper gallery because we wanted to get a close-up look at the 1759 pipe organ and the 17th century angels flanking it. Unfortunately what we got was a story about how the blacks in New England were shafted during the 1700's. The guide said very little about the organ or the angels because she was too busy talking about how the gallery/balcony seats were the worst in the house (true) and so they made the blacks sit up there. For sure, that probably occurred but it is not the most important thing that happened in that building although the docent wanted us to believe it was. The organ and the angels are really neat and it's hard to believe they've survived this long. You SHOULD visit the church but SKIP the balcony tour.
Written 10 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JNYCwriter
New York City, NY7,517 contributions
Oct 2020
The Old North Church towers in the North End of Boston. Tip for first timers: you can walk down certain streets and obtain a better photograph than standing right next to the old Church. Different streets give you different angles. I believe this is pretty much a required destination if you visit Boston as a tourist.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlieMeyer2020
Tulsa, OK92 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
It’s a woke church, but not in your face as plenty of others are in Boston, but you’re (probably) there to worship, not to convert or become a member. Plenty of conservative/traditional hymns/parts of the service with a great choir and organ.
So, yes, absolutely positively attend (not just take the tour), but you must register on line in advance, because, as the saying goes-seating is limited. And don’t forget to generously contribute to the collection basket to keep spreading God’s word and also keep our great American Heritage alive.
So, yes, absolutely positively attend (not just take the tour), but you must register on line in advance, because, as the saying goes-seating is limited. And don’t forget to generously contribute to the collection basket to keep spreading God’s word and also keep our great American Heritage alive.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ A
Tampa, FL194 contributions
Aug 2022
The Old North Church is an important part of our country's early and more recent history, and has been lovingly preserved. For a low admission fee, one can take a self-guided tour, and guided tours are also available. Old North is also a working church, will Sunday services. Don't miss the gift shop.
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SvenskaGirl
Largo, FL32 contributions
July 2023 • Family
Revolution’s Edge is a play currently being performed in the Old North Church, on the weekends. Well worth sweating it out (it was 88 degrees inside during it). So interesting to be sitting in those 300 year old pews. Play was acted by three professional actors, and it was incredibly moving.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lacey S
Cleveland, GA50 contributions
Dec 2019
The Bell Tower Tour is a great addition to a visit to the Old North Church, the church from which the "two if by sea" lanterns made famous by Henry Longfellow Wadsworth's poem "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere." In addition to admission to the church which includes an informative presentation by a docent, you also get to climb the stairs to the bell tower. Be warned - the steps are steep and there's curve, but it's manageable unless you really are not able to climb stairs normally. Unfortunately, the stairs are not original to the church, and the minister who hung the lanterns from the bell tower that fateful night climbed a series of internal ladders that no longer exist, but the area you visit on the tour is the area from which the bells are still rung. Additionally, the tour takes you underground, into the original crypt and the docent provides intriguing details about its inhabitants.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the best location outside and away from the church to get a good shot of the lanterns after they have been lit during the ceremony?
Patriots' Day is coming up and it will make a great addition ot the group of photos.
All the events are listed here online at the Boston Discovery Guide forward-slash Patriots Day schedule.
Written 1 March 2019
OldNorth1723
Boston, Massachusetts
The best place to take a photo of the lanterns in the steeple would be from Hull Street by Copp's Hill Burying Ground. If you'd like to attend the Lantern Ceremony itself, tickets are still available at bit.ly/oldnorthlanterntix!
Written 7 March 2019
How long might to take to walk around?
Written 26 July 2017
The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles and if you stop at each of the historic sites to see them it takes 5-6 hours.
The Old North Church can be seen in a self guided tour in 15-20 minutes. They do have a guided crypt and bell tower tour that takes about 30-40 minutes.
Written 27 July 2017
There is no "charge" to enter. It's an optional donation to go towards the preservation of the site so that one day your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to visit.
The reason the church is not ornate is because it was an Anglican Church (Protestant - rejection of popery)
Written 1 September 2016
I think you answered your own question. I fully agree.
Written 2 September 2016
Is Old North Church open on Sundays for tours?
Written 15 May 2015
Yes, after regular Sunday services.
Written 16 May 2015
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